About Alana & Intrepid Communications

Following successful careers in legislative policy on Capitol Hill, then as CEO for Central Oregon’s Regional Destination Marketing Organization (COVA), Alana Hughson founded Intrepid Communications. Alana is a respected and proven leader in regional destination development, communications, legislative policy and event management.

In addition to regional leadership, Alana served two, four-year terms as a gubernatorial appointment to the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) the statewide tourism division. Alana was elected Chair of the Commission from 2015—2017. During her tenure as Chair, Travel Oregon saw its funding nearly double with passage of a successful legislative initiative increasing statewide lodging tax from 1 percent to 1.8 percent. This increase was pivotal in growing the regional destination development investment and Alana was at the forefront of the collaborative process between Travel Oregon and the Regional Destination Marketing Organizations. In 2018, Hughson received Oregon’s highest industry leadership recognition as recipient of The Governor’s Award from the Honorable Kate Brown.

Hughson was a catalyst for change at COVA positioning Central Oregon as a major influence in statewide tourism policy and economic development for more than twenty years. During Alana’s tenure, Central Oregon tourism grew to generate total economic impacts of more than $1.1 billion annually, employing nearly 10,000 Central Oregonians. COVA was awarded statewide recognition at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for outstanding International Sales & Development (2017); Overall Oregon Marketing Program (2016); and, Public Relations Initiatives (2015). Hughson developed the Pacific Amateur Golf Classic (1997-2017), creating the largest amateur golf event in the west and putting Central Oregon on the map as a globally competitive golf destination. In 2018, Hughson was successful in bringing the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) to Central Oregon for the North American Conference.

In addition to statewide service, Hughson has served in leadership positions at the local and regional level in numerous areas of community activity and philanthropy including; the Central Oregon Air Service Team founding board member; the Economic Development for Central Oregon Board of Directors; lead facilitator for the Regional Destination Marketing & Management Program; co-founder and Chair of the Visitor Industry Gala; and member of the Greater Bend Rotary Club.

Intrepid Communications welcomes and celebrates multiple approaches and points of view. Diversity drives innovation and builds a culture where difference is valued. We will always seek to grow a network of people and partners sharing a globally inclusive vision for our work and our future.

Intrepid Communications has been certified in Oregon as a Women Owned Business Enterprise.